Plans for Sizewell C are doomed to “evaporate” in the wake of insurmountable problems that will prevent its intended forerunner at Hinkley Point ever producing electricity, one of Britain’s leading environmentalists has predicted.

Brexit will not lead to Britain deciding to “rip up” environmental legislation that is enshrined in European directives – but it offers a “great opportunity to take a more holistic approach” to the full suite of environmental issues that face the nation, a Suffolk MP said yesterday.

Experts will gather this week to review what has been done to protect Suffolk’s coastal communities since the havoc caused by the tidal surge three years ago – and to look at what more needs to be done.